Let’s face it: Spring gets a lot of gardening glory. Experts with green thumbs and novices alike are always awfully excited about the endless planting possibilities that come after a long, cold winter. But we’re to give autumn its due. With proper planning, the later months of the year present just as many opportunities to dig in and enjoy the beauty of your particular plot. Whether you want to shore up borders with golden annuals; put together pots teeming with fillers, spillers, and thrillers; beautify beds with trees and shrubs; cook up some ideas for a kitchen garden; or, yes, plant bulbs and seeds that will shine come spring, this is the time to make it happen. And as the year comes to a close, we should also make it a priority to prune out the old and tired, and make way for the daring and new—in our gardens and our lives! Happy planting!
THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO FALL GARDENING
from the editor
The Fundamentals of Fall • AS THE YEAR COMES TO AN END, THERE ARE PLENTY OF GARDENING POSSIBILITIES THAT ARE JUST BEGINNING.
Sweet Autumn • Everyone gets excited about the flowers that come with spring, but there are plenty of opportunities to have a ball in fall.
Lay of the Land • Take stock so you can make picks with staying power.
Toil in the Soil • As the temperatures drop, ’tis the season to dig in and get more down to earth.
14 Things to Do This Fall • A gardener’s work is never done, but this simple checklist will help keep your garden looking its best all year long.
A Tall Order • An abundance of maples provides framework and plenty of fall foliage in this lovely garden.
Autumnal Additions • AS CLOCKS FALL BACK, MOVE FORWARD WITH PLANS FOR AN ABUNDANCE OF PLANTS THAT WILL BRING BOLD COLOR TO THE GARDEN NOW AND LATER.
Plant the Seed • Add some packets to cart or take a hands-on approach by gathering spent seeds from old blooms—whatever it takes to start sowing and growing a gardenful of future flowers.
Foliage Forward • It’s finally that time of year when the foundations of the garden—trees and shrubs—get their day in the sun.
Light-Bulb Moments • Smart fall planning and planting will lead to beds and borders filled with plenty of zing come spring.
Good Eats • There’s no time like the present to harvest some homegrown deliciousness.
Once Upon a Time • Although annuals won’t last forever, they’ll add plenty of drama and flash to seasonal borders, beds, and containers.
Mum’s the Word • After trying his hand at hardy chrysanthemums more than 20 years ago, a gardener was moved to make them a stunning staple on three acres.
Seasonal Showcases • IT’S THE GOLDEN HOUR FOR COLORFUL CONTAINERS, GORGEOUS GOURDS, AND BOUNTIFUL BEDS.
Well-Bred Beds • Put together the proper mix of fall-friendly—and indeed, year-round—picks by asking yourself a few questions (or six)!
Border Lines • The best way to keep in-ground garden beds tidy and true? Set some healthy boundaries.
Fit to Be Contained • Twirl up an outdoor space with a vivid vessel full of fall-friendly foliage and flowers.
Drop-Dead Gourd-geous Decor • With a little ingenuity and creativity, a smattering of squashes and pumpkins can make the great outdoor display even greater.
Local Color • Landscape designer Barbara Safranek’s garden offers an unlimited bounty every autumn.
Matters of Maintenance • TAKE ON A FEW SIMPLE TASKS NOW AND YOUR GARDEN WILL STAY WINNING EVEN WHEN IT’S TIME TO WINTERIZE.
In the Drink • Properly hydrate your perennials now and they’ll deliver beauty for seasons—and years—to come.
Rake & Rack • Turn trash into treasure by collecting fallen leaves and transforming them into mulch and compost.
Pretty Quick Fix • Keep your...
